Before Jon

by Isaiah Fransen

Genre: Middle Grade / Action & Adventure

ISBN: 9798223698425

Print Length: 74 pages

A brave wizard and his magical friends go on an epic adventure to prevent his brother from unleashing evil in this story that never stops surprising.

The enchanting escapades of “Before Jon” will transport readers to a world of boundless imagination and vibrant descriptions that will ignite their own creativity. Prepare to be captivated by this whimsical tale that even comes with its own delightful sound effects!

Follow the extraordinary journey of Ralph, a charismatic wizard residing in the enchanting realm known as “the hidden world.” Ralph is accompanied by his trusty companions: Sophia, a spirited unicorn; Bentley, a mischievous troll; and Oatmeal, a wise warlock. Together, they reside in Ralph’s magnificent castle, where magical wonders abound.

However, their peaceful existence is abruptly shattered when an explosive commotion echoes outside their castle walls. It is none other than Ralph’s own brother, Brock, a notorious villain with a penchant for chaos. Determined to steal Ralph’s prized possession, the magic wand, Brock sets in motion a series of events that will challenge our heroes.

Brock’s nefarious intentions extend beyond mere mischief. He seeks to harness the power of Ralph’s wand to summon the malevolent forces known as “the two evil ones” and bend them to his will. But fear not, dear readers, for Ralph and his loyal friends are not so easily defeated.

Utilizing their quick thinking and a cloud of mystifying smoke, Ralph and his companions make a daring escape from Brock’s clutches. Seeking refuge, they embark on a quest to the tree of the elements, a sacred place where crystal elements of water, fire, and ice can be created. Ralph entrusts each friend with a crystal, urging them to safeguard these precious artifacts with all their might.

Thus begins Ralph’s perilous journey to thwart his brother’s malevolence and prevent the release of the evil ones. Fransen’s writing style is remarkably suited for reading aloud, with sentences that practically leap off the page. Take, for example, the exclamation of Brock the wizard: “No! I will find you, and then that magic wand will be mine!” This book is a delightful recommendation for anyone eager to immerse themselves in an engaging read-aloud experience.

Prepare yourself for endless amusement as you delve into the world of “Before Jon.” The story will ignite your imagination, leaving you with a burning desire to reenact scenes, craft DIY costumes, and engage in lively discussions with friends and family. This tale would even make a marvelous addition to any drama class, as children would revel in the opportunity to bring these captivating characters to life on stage. Brace yourself for high energy, unexpected surprises, and a riotous adventure like no other.

Amidst the thrilling plot, the story also imparts valuable lessons. Join Ralph and his friends as they navigate treacherous encounters with a live mummy, traverse a perilous lava lake, and outsmart a ravenous giant. Fire-breathing lake monsters, trap doors, crocodiles, blazing buildings, a bear’s den, and hungry wolves add to the suspenseful atmosphere. Throughout their escapades, Ralph’s friends gallantly rescue him from countless challenges, often employing the elemental crystals he bestowed upon them. Together, they learn the importance of teamwork and the power of unity. Prepare to be enthralled by chapter titles such as “The Mountain of No Return” and “Finding A Way Across The Underground Lake.”

Prepare for a jaw-dropping twist near the end of “Before Jon,” followed by yet another captivating revelation that introduces readers to the world of the “Detective Jon” series. Fransen’s skillful storytelling will leave you eagerly anticipating future works from this talented author. If the sequels are as captivating as this novel, they are sure to brighten your day.

This book evoked an array of emotions within me—smiles, laughter, and gasps of astonishment. I couldn’t help but envision a group of children enthusiastically exclaiming “woahhhh” and “oh noooo!” in those exact moments. It made me long for the joyful atmosphere of a library during storytelling time or eagerly anticipate babysitting duties to witness the awe-inspiring reactions of children to Ralph’s daring exploits.

“Before Jon” is undeniably a charming read suitable for all ages, but it particularly shines for children aged seven and above. They will find endless delight in reading and rereading this enchanting tale, acting out the scenes, and recounting the story to their friends. Prepare for an adventure brimming with excitement and pure joy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.